“And I’ll enjoy every minute of it.” They continued to the cottage, stopping by her front door. “I promise I’ll make up for tonight. Wewillhave a real dinner date. One to remember.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
“Until then, why don’t we go inside where it’s more private and I’ll give you a preview of dessert?”
Without a word, she dug out her key, inserted it into the lock, and opened the door.
He followed her in, closed it behind him, and held out his hand.
When she placed hers inside his, he drew her toward him.
She came without protest, the soft curve of her mouth an invitation that was impossible to resist.
Never breaking eye contact, he lifted his other hand. Traced the arch of her eyebrow. Brushed his knuckles over her cheek. Trailed his fingers across her lips.
At the catch in her breath, his pulse picked up and he slowly, very slowly, leaned down and pressed his lips to hers.
This long-awaited moment was to be savored.
Her hands crept around his neck, and he wrapped her in his arms, pulling her close until no more than a whisper separated them and the world faded away.
How long the kiss went on, Brad had no idea. But at last, with a triumph of will over desire, he broke contact. Rested his forehead against hers as he came up for air.
“You know...” She cleared her throat when her voice rasped. “I never overindulge on d-dessert, but I could go for second helpings of that one anytime.”
At her husky comment, a chuckle rumbled deep in his chest. “I think that could be arranged. Write me in ink on your calendar for Sunday night—if you’re willing to come back from Cape in time for dinner.”
“I’ll camp out here all weekend if necessary. I amnotmissing our next date.”
“I like your enthusiasm.”
“I have plenty of enthusiasm—but to tell you the truth, I planned to come back early Sunday anyway. I’d rather not leave Natalie on her own for too long. I’m also going to contact Paul and see if he’ll stop by Saturday.”
“Good idea. And now I need to get back to work.” He pulled slightly away and studied her. “You’ll be okay here by yourself?”
She nodded. “With Steven gone, there’s no danger anymore. I’ll be fine. I’m more worried about Natalie.”
“You may be surprised at how well she weathers this. She lived through polio and the challenges that brought, not to mention all the years she’s managed out here on her own. I expect she has deep reserves of strength and fortitude.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“She also has you for the next few weeks.”
“I’m glad for that.”
“So am I. May I suggest you take a nap this afternoon? You have to be exhausted.”
“I don’t typically sleep while the sun’s up, but I think I’ll make an exception today.”
After stealing one more quick kiss, he slipped through the door and struck off toward the path to the cave, where the emergency crew was waiting for Rod to arrive. They wouldn’t move the body until the coroner weighed in, though there were two witnesses who could testify to manner of death.
What a tragic end for such a young man, thanks to a host of bad choices.
Yet sorry as he was for Natalie, who would not only be grieving the death of her beloved cousin but also dealing with her disillusionment about the man she’d held in such high esteem, he couldn’t help but be relieved that at long last the mysterious happenings on this isolated property were over.
And at least there would be a happy ending for a family in Germany, soon destined to be reunited with a long-lost treasure that had been hidden for decades in a cave thousands of miles from where it belonged.
“I STILL CAN’T BELIEVEa place like this exists in the hinterland, as Jack would call it.” Cara took another bite of the luscious chocolate mousse she’d ordered on their first visit to this hidden gem too, during their first date two weeks ago.
